Amelia Potter and the Chamber of Secrets PART 1

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chamber, many times, by the most learned witches and wizards. It does not exist. A tale told to frighten the gullible.'

Hermione's hand was back in the air.

'Sir – what exactly do you mean by the 'horror within' the Chamber?'

'That is believed to be some sort of monster, which the heir of Slytherin alone can control,' said Professor Binns in his dry, reedy voice.

The class exchanged nervous looks.

'I tell you, the thing does not exist,' said Professor Binns, shuffling his notes. 'There is no Chamber and no monster.'

'But, sir,' said Seamus Finnigan, 'if the Chamber can only be opened by Slytherin's true heir, no one else would be able to find it, would they?'

'Nonsense, O'Flaherty,' said Professor Binns in an aggravated tone. 'If a long succession of Hogwarts headmasters and head- mistresses haven't found the thing –'

'But, Professor,' piped up Parvati Patil, 'you'd probably have to use Dark Magic to open it –'

'Just because a wizard doesn't use Dark Magic, doesn't mean he can't, Miss Pennyfeather,' snapped Professor Binns. 'I repeat, if the likes of Dumbledore –'

'But maybe you've got to be related to Slytherin, so Dumbledore couldn't –' began Dean Thomas, but Professor Binns had had enough.

'That will do,' he said sharply. 'It is a myth! It does not exist! There is not a shred of evidence that Slytherin ever built so much as a secret broom cupboard! I regret telling you such a foolish story! We will return, if you please, to history, to solid, believable, verifiable fact!'

'Sir,' piped up Amelia. Professor Binns sighed. 'Yes?'

'As students aren't we supposed to ask questions and as a teacher are you not supposed to answer them? Myths and legends are a part big of history and cultures around the world and shape the way those cultures think. So why can we not learn more about our own history? It is your job to teach us isn't it?'

Professor Binns didn't answer.

And within five minutes, the class had sunk back into its usual torpor.

*'I always knew Salazar Slytherin was a twisted old loony,' Ron told Harry, Hermione, and Amelia, as they fought their way through the teeming corridors at the end of the lesson to drop off their bags before dinner. 'But I never knew he started all this pure-blood stuff. I wouldn't be in his house if you paid me. Honestly, if the Sorting Hat had tried to put me in Slytherin, I'd've got the train straight back home ...'